Speciale Invest Sets Up Second VC Fund Worth INR 286 Cr With Focus On Early Stage Startups

Purple Style Labs, an omnichannel luxury fashion retail platform raises funds via Enablers

Purple Style Lab, the company that runs Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, the largest multi retail luxury fashion platform in India, has raised an undisclosed amount from HNIs and Family Offices. ValPro’s startup advisory vertical, Enablers, was the advisor on this transaction.

PSL has achieved 50X growth in the last four years. The company acquired Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop in 2018 and has offline stores and an online presence. It retails about 1000 designers including Seema Gujral, Tarun Tahiliani, Ridhi Mehra, Torani, Anushree Reddy, Amit Aggarwal, Payal Singhal, Papa Don’t Preach, House of Masaba etc.

The company has marquee investors including Akash Bhansali, Madhuri Dixit, Navroz Udwadia (co-founder, Alpha Wave Global), Yuj Ventures/Sid Yog (founder, Xander Group), Rahul Garg (partner, Premji Invest), Mukul Agrawal (founder, Param Capital), Rahul Kayan (Director, SMIFS Ltd), Girish Kulkarni (Suyash Advisors) and Rishi Vasudev (co-Founder, G.O.A.T. Brand Labs).

Glamyo, Delhi-based healthcare startup that focuses on elective surgeries segment, has raised fresh funding from HNIs. ValPro’s startup advisory vertical, Enablers, was the advisor in this transaction.

Founded in 2020 by Archit Garg and Preet Pal Thakur, Glamyo offers a platform for patients to discover and avail consulting and surgical services while using underutilized capacity of hospitals’ surgical infrastructure. The company has disrupted the healthcare industry with its asset light infrastructure and capital efficient business model, while growing 20% month on month. It has a strong presence across 20 cities with over 350 hospital networks and 200 surgeons. It has facilitated 12,000+ surgeries till date.

The equity infusion will accelerate Glamyo’s growth plan to scale up operation pan India

Links: https://entrackr.com/2022/09/exclusive-healthcare-startup-glamyo-kicks-off-new-round/

Shipskart, Singapore-based B2B supply chain startup in the maritime and offshore segment has raised USD 2.7 million in Series A round led by Trail Mix Ventures (TMV) and Hermes Offshore. Strategic investors including Motion Ventures, Tradeworks.vc and Eternia Investments also participated in the round. ValPro’s startup advisory vertical, Enablers, was the advisor in this transaction.

Founded in 2017 by Dhruv Sawhney, along with Sunny Bagla and Vivek Sahi, Shipskart operates as a B2B online marketplace where vessels, vessel managers, ports and shipyards can purchase marine products, consumables, equipment and service products that are required for efficient operations onboard ships. The platform empowers mid-segment shipping companies and suppliers to streamline their procurement lifecycle. The company has a wide network of 500+ partners across 40 countries.

The equity infusion will accelerate Shipskart’s plans to expand its India operations by opening physical fulfilment warehousing centres located near ports for greater efficiencies.

Link: https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/shipskart-raises-rs-20-5-crore-from-trail-mix-ventures-others-122031601417_1.html

Otipy, the community buying platform for agritech startup Crofarm has raised USD 10.2 mn in its latest series A round led by SIG. The round also saw participation from Omidyar Network India, Innoven Capital, and existing investors IPV (Inflection Point Ventures), Pravega and FactorE.

Enablers, ValPro’s startup advisory arm, acted as the financial advisor to Otipy on the transaction.

Started in 2020, Otipy is building India’s largest social commerce platform for the fresh category that supports farmers, creates earning opportunities for resellers and provides fresher produce to consumers at lucrative prices. The company is equipped by a full stack proprietary technology to leverage a much needed strong supply chain for sourcing, demand forecasting, inventory management, transportation and reseller distribution.

Otipy’s farm-to-form delivery model optimises for freshness by procuring directly from farmers and delivering fresh produce to consumers in less than 12 hours. The startup sources over 2,500 tonnes of fresh produce every month from 10,000+ farmers across India. Otipy said it has become the e-grocer of choice for over two lakh households.

Varun Khurana, the founder shared his thoughts on the fresh category “Fresh produce is a 35-40 percent gross margin category. However, it is the wastage that kills those margins. We are among the first companies that have been able to control it via our innovative model.”

Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/funding/otipy-a-social-commerce-platform-gets-10-2-million-from-sig/articleshow/84538845.cms

Delhi-based Edtech startup Leverage Edu has raised INR 47 crores (USD 6.5 million) in Series A funding led by Tomorrow Capital. The existing investors Blume Ventures and DSG Consumer Partners also participated in the round. ValPro’s startup advisory vertical, Enablers, was the advisor in this transaction.

Founded by Akshay Chaturvedi, Leverage Edu has emerged as the leading enabler of international admissions for higher education with access to over 2500 personalised mentors and global universities. The company provides full stack university admission services starting from university discovery & selection, preparation for international tests, application processing to other value services including education loan, visa applications, accommodation options. It also offers a SaaS enabled platform – Univalley.com, which helps universities to find best-matched talent for their diverse programs.

The company plans to use the proceeds to accelerate it’s expansion into newer markets with access to new colleges and universities, for product innovation and to deepen the student-first approach with more focus on pedagogy and student-first tools.

Link: https://yourstory.com/2021/02/funding-alert-leverage-edu-raises-rs-47-cr-investment-edtech-startups?utm_pageloadtype=scroll

https://techcrunch.com/2021/02/18/indias-college-admission-platform-leverage-edu-raises-6-5-million/

https://www.livemint.com/companies/start-ups/leverage-edu-closes-rs-47-crore-fund-raise-led-by-tomorrow-capital-11613645990399.html

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/funding/edtech-startup-leverage-edu-raises-rs-47-crore-in-series-a-funding/articleshow/81091807.cms

India and Singapore-based ed-tech startup ConveGenius received funding to the tune of Rs 6 crore in an equity investment from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and will use the capital to provide an engaging and impactful education for the masses. Founded in 2013 by Jairaj Bhattacharya and Shashank Pandey, ConveGenius aims at making learning affordable, fun and rewarding.

The company uses assessments and data analytics tools to track the progress being made by students in real-time, and provide them with personalised learning paths with the most relevant content.

Enablers was the sole advisor on the transaction.

Read more at: https://yourstory.com/2016/08/convegenius-funding-2

Content management startup Text Mercato raises funding via Enablers

Bengaluru-based Text Mercato Solutions has raised a funding round of Rs. 4.85 crs. led by 1Crowd. Hong Kong based startup accelerator Betatron, and few individual investors including former CEO of HSBC Africa Andrew Dell and Sequent Software CFO Raaj Shah also participated in the round. ValPro’s startup advisory vertical, Enablers, was the sole advisor on this transaction.

Text Mercato runs an eponymous cataloguing and content management platform. It leverages technology such as image and text recognition, text generation, online data processing and character recognition to help ecommerce firms catalogue and list products online. The company serves over 100 clients across industries such as fashion, electronics, FMCG and hospitality, in India, China, France, Singapore and UAE.

The company shall deploy the funds for technology & product development, customer acquisition and team expansion.
Link: https://www.techcircle.in/2020/08/13/exclusive-1crowd-backs-content-management-startup-text-mercato

New age digital media firm Rusk Media raises seed funding round via Enablers

Delhi-based digital media firm Rusk Media has raised undisclosed seed round from InfoEdge Venture Fund, Sprout Venture Partners, Survam Partners, and an undisclosed institutional investor.
Rusk Media creates video content across genres such as fiction, music, lifestyle and technology, targeting Gen-Z and millennial smartphone audiences. It owns four content brands – Alright, Hattke, Recharge, and LIT – which clock viewership across social platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok among others. It is also engaged in monetisation of content through brand sponsorship in lieu of product placement or product integration, which helps brands achieve better reach while also creating original content for over-the-top (OTT) platforms.
The company shall deploy the funds to build distinctive digital entertainment solutions by bolstering video production and custom content capabilities.

Link: https://www.techcircle.in/2020/06/24/info-edge-india-backs-rusk-media-with-three-other-investors

Enablers advises Insurtech company, Roadzen on a secondary share sale

Enablers advised global insurance technology company Roadzen for a secondary stake sale transaction from undisclosed investors.

Roadzen is transforming global insurance with its multi-platform solutions for underwriting, claims management, distribution, inspection and roadside assistance. The platform uses computer vision, machine learning and telematics to deliver substantially improved consumer experience and operational efficiency for insurers. Roadzen operates multiple product lines in Motor, Travel, E-Commerce, Ride Sharing and Mobile Phone Insurance.

Roadzen was founded by a team of Carnegie Mellon, UPenn, Harvard alumni and a team of entrepreneurs who have built pioneering and successful technology companies all over the world. It is one of the fastest growing insurance technology companies globally with over 10 million customer base in India, US, China and Europe.

Online lifestyle brand The Label Life which raises INR 20 Crore funding from Kalpavriksh via Enablers

Mumbai-based The Label Corp Private Limited, an internet-first lifestyle brand of contemporary fashion, accessories and home décor, has garnered INR 20 crore in funding from Kalpavriksh, Centrum’s PE fund via Enablers. The funding will be utilized toward ushering in the next phase of their growth, by increasing the SKU count, bringing in more efficiency in their supply chain management, talent acquisition and making an even more robust technology stack.

Founded in 2012 by Preeta Sukhtankar, The Label Life retails home decor and fashion styled by Sussanne Khan, Malaika Arora and Bipasha Basu. For their fashion arm, their target customers are women between the ages of 23 and 45 years, who reside in the top ten cities of the country. In that regard, the company houses designs modeled for urban Indian woman. Currently clocking INR 2 crore in monthly revenues, the company has served 70,000 customers so far.

The company’s investors include MithunSacheti, Co-founder of CaratLane; and Haresh Chawla. Niraj Shah from Kalpavriksh will be joining the board of The Label Life, working closely with the team to provide strategic support in supply chain, retail operations and guidance in the next phase of profitable growth.

Enablers was the sole financial advisor for the transaction.

Coverage link:

Yourstory: https://yourstory.com/2017/12/fashion-lifestyle-ecommerce-portal-label-life-raises-rs-20-cr-kalpavriksh/

Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/venture-capital/centrums-pe-fund-invests-rs-20-crore-in-online-lifestyle-brand-the-label-life/articleshow/61957418.cms

Rianty Dewi Astuti

CFA, Ernst & Young, KPMG

Following her degree in Accounting and Finance, Rianty started her career as an auditor in KPMG and EY with engagement across different industries. Prior to joining ValPro, she also spent a number of years at an international Oil & Gas company in various roles. During her work experience, she has gained exposure in diversified fields including Financial Advisory & Assurance, Due Diligence, and Internal Audit. Rianty has enjoyed the paradigm shift towards entrepreneurship and innovation and is passionate in helping young companies build their presence and execute their strategies.

Neha Khanna

Chartered Accountant, MBA (Oxford University), Pricewaterhouse Coopers

Neha Khanna possesses experience in the field of investment banking, financial advisory, internal audit and risk management. After completing her Chartered Accountancy, Neha pursued an MBA from Said Business School, University of Oxford. She worked with PwC India prior to joining ValPro, the investment banking and financial advisory firm behind Enablers. She is committed to building an eco-system for accelerating the growth of start-ups and SMEs in India. Her experience in end-to-end transaction execution enables her to understand different perspectives of clients’ needs.

Chaitanya Gadia

Chartered Accountant, Ernst & Young, JM Financial

An alumni of Shri Ram College of Commerce and a Chartered Accountant (Rank Holder), Chaitanya has experience in Taxation from Ernst & Youngand Capital Markets from JM Financial. He has worked on clients such as AT&T, Verizon, Bharti Airtel & Vodafone (during acquisition of Hutchinson) as well as the TATA Motors DVR issue to name a few. Chaitanya is well entrenched into the real estate sector having hands-on experience in the ultra-luxurious residential development space. He also has an avid interest in the stock market, thereby, actively tracking and investing in equity stocks.

Anshuman Khanna

Chartered Accountant, LLB, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas

Anshuman Khanna is a Chartered Accountant and Lawyer by qualification possessing over 10 years experience in investing across asset classes, including real estate, listed equities, private equity and commodities. Having been actively involved in diverse areas of business including investment banking, real estate, international trade and shipping, Anshuman supplements investment acumen with hands-on experience of transaction execution, structuring, legal documentation, and international market and macro perspectives. Anshuman has advised on investment transactions valued in excess of USD 1 bn in areas ranging from education, oil & gas, shipping, real estate and cement. Anshuman has also held board positions in various companies including mining, oil trading, garments export and power generation.

Retail Analytics startup Intelligence Node secures USD 1 Million from Cornerstone Venture Partners via Enablers

Mumbai-based retail analytics startup Intelligence Node has raised USD 1 million from Cornerstone Venture Partners aided by ValPro’s startup advisory division, Enablers.

Intelligence Node operates a competitive intelligence and price optimisation platform that helps retailers track products at the stock-keeping unit (SKU) level as well as keep track of several analytics and trends. It offers products such as InCompetitor, InOptimizer and InFeed, which enable its customers to get an overview of the competitive landscape in terms of pricing and visibility. They also suggest the most optimum pricing for a company’s products.

The round will help drive the next phase of growth for the company given the significant customer traction and revenues achieved.

Cornerstone is a sector agnostic $ 70 mn fund that is investing in technology-based consumer and enterprise businesses. The technology-focused VC firm, set up by Rajiv Vaishnav and Abhishek Prasad, two former Reliance Industries executives, has invested in the Intelligence Node through Cornerstone Venture Partners Fund – I.

Coverage link:

https://www.vccircle.com/former-reliance-industries-execs-vc-fund-invests-in-two-b2b-tech-startups

Enablers facilitates Rs. 2 Cr funding from HNIs for ConveGenius

Noida and Singapore based Ed-tech start-up, ConveGenius, has raised INR 2 Cr. in a fresh round of funding aided by ‘Enablers’.

Founded in 2013 by Jairaj Bhattacharya and Shashank Pandey, alumni of IIIT Hyderabad and the Young India Fellowship Program of Ashoka University, ConveGenius is an ed-tech company aimed at making learning affordable, fun and rewarding. Their products are focused on mobile based learning via technologies of gamification, adaptive analytics and intelligent content aggregation.

The company is ‘mobile-only’ with products focused on education and skill development for emerging markets via the power of smart-phones.

The capital raised from investors based out of India and South East Asia will be used for product enhancements and expansion of their technology and content aggregation team.

ConveGenius enlisted with Enablers in August 2015.

Enablers is a web based deal platform that facilitates start-up companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to connect with HNIs, Angels and VCs for fund raising. It helps entrepreneurs become investor ready and handhold them through various stages of fund raising.

Coverage link:

Economic Times – http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/ed-tech-startup-convegenius-raises-rs-2-crore-in-fresh-round-of-funding/articleshow/49818839.cms

ET Telecom – http://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/enterprise/enterprise-services/ed-tech-start-up-convegenius-raises-rs-2-crore/49818710

Business Standard – http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/edu-startup-convegenius-raises-rs-2-cr-in-fresh-round-of-funding-115111701179_1.html

Inc42 – http://inc42.com/flash-feed/convegenius-funding/

Yourstory – http://yourstory.com/2015/11/convegenius-funding/

Techcircle – http://techcircle.vccircle.com/2015/11/17/edutainment-startup-convegenius-raises-300k-in-pre-series-a-funding/

Iamwire – http://www.iamwire.com/2015/11/ed-tech-startup-convegenius-raises-rs-2-cr-funding-enablers/126350

FounderWorld – http://www.founderworld.com/2015/11/17/edutainment-start-up-convegenius-raises-rs-2-crore-in-a-fresh-round-of-funding-via-enablers/

India Today – http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lenovo-gets-infineon-chip-for-vibe-p1-x3-smartphones/1/525285.html

KnowStartup – http://knowstartup.com/2015/11/convegenius-raises-300k/

DealStreetAsia – http://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/india-dealbook-craftsvilla-secures-34m-from-sequoia-julia-receives-600k-grant-convegenius-gets-fresh-funds-20038/

RedNewsWire – http://www.rednewswire.com/technology/ed-tech-startup-convegenius-raises-rs-2-crore-in-fresh-round-of-funding/

MSN – http://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/lenovo-gets-infineon-chip-for-vibe-p1-x3-smartphones/ar-BBn72cR

IndiaInfoline – http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-business/bigbasket-and-groffers-shut-operations-in-chennai-and-other-top-startup-news-of-the-day-115111800042_1.html

TheDataDriver – http://www.thedatadriver.com/2015/11/edutainment-start-up-convegenius-raises.html

Nextbigwhat.com – http://omnifeed.com/article/www.nextbigwhat.com/convegenius-raises-rs-2-crore-in-pre-series-a-funding-297/

Ndtv.com – http://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/india-funding-roundup-ola-convegenius-goodbox-craftsvilla-scoopwhoop-766810

Techinasia.com – https://www.techinasia.com/india-startups-funding-roundup/

VC Circle.com – http://www.vccircle.com/news/technology/2015/11/17/edutainment-startup-convegenius-raises-300k-pre-series-funding

Stratos-Invest.in – http://www.stratos-invest.in/edutainment-start-up-convegenius-raises-rs-2-crore-in-a-fresh-round-of-funding-via-enablers/

Times Of India.com – http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31816&articlexml=ConveGenius-Raises-Rs-2-Cr-in-Fresh-Round-18112015009018

Tropical Post.com – http://tropicalpost.com/convegenius-raises-inr-2-crore-in-pre-series-a-round/

Newszig.com – http://www.newszig.com/category/fundings-exits/investments/

Nternet.In – http://nternet.in/edutainment-startup-convegenius-raises-300k-in-pre-series-a-funding/

The Economic Times – http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31816&articlexml=ConveGenius-Raises-Rs-2-Cr-in-Fresh-Round-18112015009018

Bite Club, listed on Enablers, raises Pre Series A funding from GrowX Ventures, The Phoenix Fund and Powai Lake Ventures

Gurgaon-based Bite Club, an online aggregator of home-cooked food run by Ecstasy E-Ordering Pvt. Ltd, has raised an undisclosed amount from GrowX ventures, The Phoenix Fund via Enablers and existing investors Powai Lake Ventures.

It was launched in late 2014 by Prateek Agarwal, Aushim Krishan and Siddharth Sharma. They have served over 1,00,000 meals within one year of its inception, and currently delivers almost 1,000 meals a day.

Bite Club has a daily changing menu that customers can order from via their mobile and web app. The food is prepared by a curated community of home, amateur and professional chefs.With the current round of funding, the startup is looking to go deeper into the current market, improving efficiency, building a strong platform for growth and introducing newer products.

Bite Club enlisted with Enablers in October 2015.

Enablers is a web based deal platform that facilitates start-up companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to connect with HNIs, Angels and VCs for fund raising. It helps entrepreneurs become investor ready and handhold them through various stages of fund raising.

Coverage link:

VC Circle – http://www.vccircle.com/news/technology/2015/12/01/bite-club-gets-funding-growx-venture-and-others

Yourstory – http://yourstory.com/2015/12/bite-club-growx-funding/

Business Standard – http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/chef-made-meals-provider-bite-club-raises-pre-series-a-fund-115120100251_1.html

Livemint – http://www.livemint.com/Companies/yTeSqiDj2QA4wZf3T7BTLJ/Bite-Club-raises-funding-from-growX-ventures-others.html

The Economic Times – http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/bite-club-raises-funds-from-growx-ventures/articleshow/49992505.cms

e27 – http://e27.co/indias-online-marketplace-for-chefs-bite-club-gets-pre-series-a-funding-20151201/

Enablers facilitates undisclosed amount of seed funding from HNIs for CivilsDaily

Enablers successfully raised an undisclosed amount of seed funding for Delhi-based edtech startup, CivilsDaily from Manoj Kumar of Malgharia Capital Advisors along with a few HNIs.

CivilsDaily was founded in 2015 by Shikhar Sachan and Rohit Pande. The startup aggregates and curates news items that are relevant for test preparation, from authenticated news sources and connects their backstory in full. The platform is an online education venture by Apeirogon and is available on Android platform where it has become the #1 app in terms of ratings and search rankings in its segment within a year of its launch.

An aspirant can also log on to the website and browse through material available from several of its categories, namely, Economics, Environment & Biodiversity, Geography, History, Polity, Science & Tech, Trivia and World Events.

The startup will use the money to expand its team and develop the product, besides exploring upcoming sectors of news consumption. A Hindi module for daily newscards, will be added to cater to an audience that does not have a reliable medium for preparation along with upgradation of content management system to release niche offerings in other sectors of news consumption.With CivilsDaily maturing as a platform, Apeirogon looks forward to expand and reimagine news and its communities by understanding news reading patterns across sectors.

CivilsDaily enlisted with Enablers in December 2015.

Enablers is a web based deal platform that facilitates start-up companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to connect with HNIs, Angels and VCs for fund raising. It helps entrepreneurs become investor ready and handhold them through various stages of fund raising.

Coverage link:

DealStreetAsia – http://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/ed-tech-startup-civilsdaily-raises-funding-led-by-malgharia-capitals-manoj-kumar-33087/

Iamwire – http://www.iamwire.com/2016/03/funding-aahaa-civilsdaily-tinystep-migme/133258

Inc42 – http://inc42.com/flash-feed/civilsdaily-funding/

IndiaInfoline – http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-top-story/more-funding-snapchat-civilsdaily-arcatron-mobility-raise-funds-116030400516_1.html

Startup City– http://www.startupcity.com/news/delhibased-edtech-startup-civildaily-seizes-an-undisclosed-amount-for-product-development-nid-2607.html

TechStory – http://techstory.in/civilsdaily-raisesfunding-4032016/

TheInternet – http://theinternet.co.in/online-news-curator-civilsdaily-raises-seed-funding/

VC Circle – http://www.vccircle.com/news/technology/2016/03/04/online-news-curator-civilsdaily-raises-seed-funding

Nternet.in – http://nternet.in/online-news-curator-civilsdaily-raises-seed-funding

E27 – https://e27.co/edtech-startup-curates-news-test-preparation-bags-funding-20160304/

WikiNews – http://www.wikinewsindia.com/tag/civilsdaily/

Medianama – http://www.medianama.com/2016/03/223-funding-roundup-civilsdaily-vanitycube-mygubbi-more/

Enablers facilitates USD 2 Million funding from CASHurDRIVE for Room on Call

Enablers successfully raised USD 2 million for Delhi based budget accommodation aggregator, Room on call from CASHurDRIVE (CUD).

Founded in 2015 by PradeepSajjan, Amit Goel, NirupmaDhawan, Room on Call (ROC) is meant exclusively for the seekers of branded budgeted accommodation. Travelers can choose their preferred destination from an array of choicest properties, including prominent guest houses, boutique hotels and hotels, with the help of actual photos provided by the website. The company has also introduced a mobile app to enable the customers to book their accommodation more conveniently.

With a current inventory of 8000+ room nights everyday, ROC has already marked its presence in 42+ cities and aims to start its operations across 150 locations and 20,000 rooms in India by year-end.

The funding will be used for marketing and strengthening operation in metros along with expanding presence in tier 2 and 3 cities. A part will also be spent on hiring new talent and scaling up operations to make a pan-India presence.

Room On Call enlisted with Enablers in August 2015.

Enablers is a web based deal platform that facilitates start-up companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to connect with HNIs, Angels and VCs for fund raising. It helps entrepreneurs become investor ready and handhold them through various stages of fund raising.

Coverage link:

Economic Times – http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/budget-hotel-aggregator-room-on-call-dials-in-a-bridge-round/articleshow/51496721.cms

Inc42 – http://inc42.com/flash-feed/room-on-call-secures-2-mn-from-cashurdrive-cud/

Knowstartup – http://knowstartup.com/2016/03/room-on-call-2m-funding/

Startup City – http://www.startupcity.com/news/room-on-call-gearsup-with-2-million-to-broaden-its-business-domain-nid-2713.html

Stratos-invest– http://www.stratos-invest.in/room-on-call-raises-2m-from-cashurdrive-makes-further-inroads-into-budget-hotel-aggregators-space/

TheInternet – http://theinternet.co.in/budget-hotel-aggregator-room-on-call-gets-2m-funding/

VCCircle – http://www.vccircle.com/news/technology/2016/03/21/budget-hotel-aggregator-room-call-gets-2m-funding

YourStory – http://yourstory.com/2016/03/room_on_call-funding/

Indulge Beverages Owned Bonhomia Raises $500K in Bridge Round of Funding

Delhi based Indulge Beverages, which owns and distributes premium tea and coffee brand Bonhomia, has raised $500,000 (Rs 3.3 crore) in a bridge round of funding. It is also in talks with potential strategic investors for a majority stake sale. The new funding round, which was closed this month, was led by existing backers including seed-stage investment firm Fireside Ventures and real estate group scion Apurv Salarpuria of Salarpuria Group. Valpro Capital (the company behind the capital raising platform Enablers) and an unnamed early-stage investor also put in money. The funds will be utilized for strengthening its distribution and manufacturing capabilities.

Founded by Kunal Bhagat and Tuhin Jain, Bonhomia is the creator and leader of the premium single serve coffee & tea capsule category in India. The four-year old company caters to both retail and institutional segments, including Oberoi Group of hotels, Ritz Carlton and multiple Hyatt hotels. Bonhomia also retails through Amazon and Snapdeal as well as through retail chains Croma, Godrej Nature’s Basket and Spencer’s Retail, among others.

The company has shared that the business revenue has grown 10 times over last year particularly led by the increased demand of the product in the retail channel. Bonhomia has already setup over 60 consumer experience zones across the country and plans to expand the same to more than 150 before the year end, given the strong consumer traction.

Coverage link:

BWDisrupt – http://bwdisrupt.businessworld.in/article/Indulge-Beverages-Owned-Bonhomia-Raises-500K-Bridge-Round-of-Funding/15-06-2016-99183/

DealStreetAsia – http://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/india-dealbook-jivox-indulge-beverages-oneway-cab-raise-funding-44158/

EconomicTimes – http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/money/bonhomia-maker-indulge-beverages-raises-rs-3-3-crore-in-bridge-round-of-funding/articleshow/52738894.cms

Inc42 – https://inc42.com/flash-feed/bonhomia-raises-1-mn/

LiveMint– http://www.livemint.com/Companies/SBMjNKNGV1EFKb7UwrolMK/Bonhomia-raises-500000-from-Valpro-Capital-others.html

MyBigPlunge – http://mybigplunge.com/startup-and-entrepreneurship/bonhomia-raises-bridge-funding/

TheTechBulletin – http://www.thetechbulletin.com/bonhomia-raises-bridge-funding-34781/

YourStory – http://yourstory.com/2015/04/bonhomia-indulge-beverages-startup/

Overcart raises USD 3 mn from JSW Ventures, Omidyar, others

Overcart, a startup providing returns management and liquidation services to e-commerce firms has raised USD 3 million (about Rs 20 crore) from JSW Ventures, Omidyar Network, Sattva Capital and Venture Works. The funding will be utilized to invest in hardware and software innovations to diagnose, refurbish and quality check products across more categories and locations.

Founded by Saptarshi Nath and Alex Souter Overcart is focused on building a new-to- world back-end and adding innovative services. The team has managed to scale the business on positive economics while pushing the bar in operational & technological innovations. It recently expanded into Mumbai and added consumer electronics to its product portfolio. Overcart also launched its own warranty brand – Overtrust — that provides walk-in product repair services in 55 cities across India.

The company’s philosophy of putting quality first brings much needed transparency to an otherwise opaque ‘buyer beware’ market, while tapping into the massive demand for unboxed and refurbished goods.

Coverage link:

India Infoline – http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-top- story/overcart-raises- 3-mn- series-a-funding-116070800377_1.html

MoneyControl – http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/sme/overcart-raises-usd-3-mnjsw-ventures-omidyar-others_7003301.html

Business Standard – http://wap.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/overcart-raises-usd-3-mn-from-jsw-ventures-omidyar-others-116070800637_1.html

BWDisrupt – http://bwdisrupt.businessworld.in/article/Deals-RoundUp-Crofarm-FlexiLoans-Overcart-JSW-Ventures-Omidyar-Network-Sattva-Capital-Venture-Works-and-Paytm/09-07-2016-100210/

CIOL – http://www.ciol.com/funding-roundup-oyo-pitstop-quickli-technologies-and-more/

Finsmes – http://www.finsmes.com/2016/07/overcart-raises-3m-in-series-a-funding.html

Inc42 – https://inc42.com/flash-feed/overcart-raises-3-mn-series-funding/

Livemint – http://www.livemint.com/Companies/l7JC7d4R5StgDKuLeCJyzN/Overcart-raises-Series-A-funding-from-GrowthStory-others.html

TheTechPortal – http://thetechportal.com/2016/07/09/overcart/

Yourstory – http://yourstory.com/2016/07/overcart/

Enablers facilitates funding for Biryani By Kilo from investors including the Chandigarh Angel Network

Enablers successfully raised a seed round for premium quick service restaurant chain Biryani By Kilo from investors including Chandigarh Angels Network (CAN).

Founded in 2015 by Kaushik Roy and Vishal Jindal, Biryani By Kilo (BBK) is quick service restaurant that follows the traditional dum style biryani recipe that cooks and delivers biryani in the same handi. The brand specializes in offering 8 different types of Biryani along with a curated mughlai menu which serves kebabs, korma & breads.

BBK has changed the concept of portion size and instead started the unique idea of delivering only by weight i.e. kilo. It also has introduced the concept of “Aanch” which is provided along with every order which allows the consumers to warm their biryani at their convenience before having it.

Presently, it has 2 operational kitchens in Gurgaon and Dwarka and works on a Hub and Spoke model. Currently, it receives daily orders of 60-70 with average ticket size of INR 1,000 and 35% repeat customers.

The funding will be used for expansion in Delhi NCR to open 5 more kitchens. A part will also be spent on infrastructure and hiring new talent particularly for marketing and technology.

Biryani By Kilo enlisted with Enablers in June 2016.

Enablers is a web based deal platform that facilitates start-up companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to connect with HNIs, Angels and VCs for fund raising. It helps entrepreneurs become investor ready and handhold them through various stages of fund raising.

Coverage link:

BW Businessworld: http://bwdisrupt.businessworld.in/article/Exclusive-Biryani-By-Kilo-Raises-Angel-Funding-of-Rs-2-5-Cr-To-Scale-Up-Faster/18-02-2017-113139/

Franchise India: http://news.franchiseindia.com/restaurant/Biryani-By-Kilo-secures-angel-funding-from-a-clutch-of-investors.n14070

Drone technology start-up Aarav Unmanned Systems raises undisclosed amount of funding led by GrowX and 500 Startups via Enablers

Bengaluru-based drone startup Aarav Unmanned Systems (AUS) has raised an undisclosed amount in a Pre-Series A funding round from GrowX Ventures, 500 Startups, and BellWether Advisors aided by ValPro’s Enablers. The round also saw the participation of existing investors StartupXseed, 3ONE4 Capital and Sanjay Jesrani. The proceeds from the round will be used for expanding the company’s reach and furthering R&D activities.

Founded in 2013 by Nikhil Upadhye, Banshiwala, Vipul Singh and Yeshwanth Reddy, AUS is a game changing venture in the industrial and agricultural asset management space leveraging drone technology.

With the aim of building the future of drones and their applications in the enterprise space, AUS offers high-value engineering solutions to enterprises across GIS (geographic information system) surveying/mapping, industrial inspection and precision agriculture.

Coverage link:

DealStreetAsia: https://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/india-dealbook-216-93846/

Inc42: https://inc42.com/buzz/aus-drone-funding-growx-500-startups/

Healthcare Lending Startup LetsMD raises USD 1 Million in Pre-Series A funding via Enablers

Delhi-based healthcare lending startup LetsMD has raised USD 1 Million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by SRI Capital. The round also saw the participation of existing investors Waterbridge Ventures along with Thinkuvate. The proceeds from the round will be used to scale up its Pan-India operations.

Enablers, an undertaking of ValPro, worked end-to-end on the fundraising transaction for LetsMD. The scope included identifying and reaching out to the investor as well as assisting in closure of the definitive agreements.

Founded in 2013 by Tenzin Thargay, Nivesh Khandelwal and Prakhar Gupta, LetsMD gives financial access to people for tertiary level healthcare needs. It uses technology to generate loans faster and cater to a wide segment of borrowers who traditionally depend on private sources at exorbitant interest rates.

With the aim of improving financial access in the healthcare space, LetsMD has tied up with more than 200 reputed hospitals and super speciality chains like Fortis Healthcare, BLK Hospital and Apollo Hospitals in the Delhi-NCR region so far.

Coverage link:

Hindu Business Line: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/sri-capital-invests-1-mn-in-letsmd/article23501641.ece

United News of India: http://www.uniindia.com/letsmd-raises–1-mn-in-pre-series-a-funding-from-slew-of-investors/states/news/1196488.html#7FFUujtzPDu8AMJH.99

Telangana Today: https://telanganatoday.com/sri-capital-leads-investment-letsmd

Fintech start-up Cashcow raises seed funding led by Astarc Ventures via Enablers

Mumbai-based fintech startup Cashcow has raised a seed round led by Astarc Ventures and participation from Yes Bank’s family office, ValPro Capital and a Japanese Fund apart from some HNIs. Enablers, a unit of ValPro was the sole advisor on the deal. The proceeds from the round will be used to increase distribution and strengthen its technology capabilities to capture greater scale.

Incorporated in 2017, Cashcow offers a wide array of financial products such as home loans, mortgage loans, personal loans, and credit cards to consumers at their doorstep. It also provides a tech platform to existing and upcoming direct selling agents’ networks.

Coverage link:

https://inc42.com/startups/exclusive-fintech-startup-cashcow-looks-to-enter-sea-middle-east-with-latest-funding/

Tech-based agri supply chain startup Crofarm raises undisclosed bridge round from HNI via Enablers

Enablers advised Delhi-based agri-supply chain startup Crofarm for raising an undisclosed amount from an HNI.

Crofarm is building a technology-powered supply chain that supports farmers and provides businesses with fresh produce efficiently and with minimal wastage. It supplies fruits and vegetables to a network of retailers through its multiple distribution centres. It sources fresh produce directly from farmers across Haryana, UP, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Maharashtra.

The company would use proceeds towards ramping up operations and team.